The Washington Commanders will look a lot different next season. Change is inevitable when you win only five games, one year after winning 12 and reaching the NFC Championship Game. Those changes began earlier this week when Washington parted ways with successful offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
The Commanders also fired offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, despite that unit being one of the team’s strongest.
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Washington also has over 30 free agents, but has plenty of cash and cap space to be active in March when free agency opens. The Commanders also have a top 10 pick in April’s 2026 NFL Draft.
There should be plenty of intrigue for Washington in the upcoming draft. The Commanders have a lot of holes. Most of those holes are on defense, with GM Adam Peters noting that Washington needed an edge rusher. Peters is correct. The Commanders needed an edge rusher last offseason, largely ignoring the position until signing future Hall of Famer Von Miller in training camp. Miller had to play more than expected due to injuries.
So, it’s safe to assume that finding a pass rusher tops Washington’s needs. Good news: there will be options when the Commanders are on the clock at No. 7 overall.
In a new mock draft for ESPN, draft analyst Jordan Reid addresses Washington’s need, slotting Texas Tech All-American David Bailey to the Commanders.
Washington has only two edge players (Dorance Armstrong and Javontae Jean-Baptiste) signed through next season, and both are coming off season-ending injuries. The Commanders need youthful pass rushers, and Bailey was the most productive in the country, leading the FBS with 14.5 sacks this season. He also had 23 tackles for loss, and his 20.1% pressure rate was the highest of all FBS defenders. Bailey’s excellent first-step quickness helps him race past blockers with ease, and he is a rugged defender with a diverse set of pass-rush moves and powerful hands. Bailey’s performance against Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals was one of the best I saw from any defender this season.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders select David Bailey in new 2026 mock draft
